Subject Access Request / Solcitor's Lien - Help needed

[h2013]

Hi there,

Could anyone advise whether a solicitor has to comply with a subject access request if they have placed a lien over personal files that they hold?

Many thanks

[EXC]

Re: Subject Access Request / Solcitor's Lien - Help needed

I would call the IOC helpdesk https://www.ico.org.uk/Global/contact_us maybe they can advise.

[IanM]

Re: Subject Access Request / Solcitor's Lien - Help needed

Hi there,

Could anyone advise whether a solicitor has to comply with a subject access request if they have placed a lien over personal files that they hold?

Many thanks

Realistically you should not have to submit a SAR to a solicitor to obtain your files as they belong to you and you should be able to receive it on demand. The solicitor can refuse to release it to you if there are any outstanding fees or charges owed to them by you.

If you have requested the files and the solicitor has refused to release them using the excuse you owe money then ask them for details of how much you owe, what it is for, a copy of the client ledger and any paperwork they have to support their claim you owe them any money.

If you do not believe you owe any money or they refuse to provide you with the ledger etc. then contact the Law Society and make a complaint as normally the solicitor will refuse to release files where they know they will be facing a claim for negligence etc.

Who are the solicitors?